Turbocharger method of operation and turbine housing therefor

Abstract

A method of operating turbochargers for use with internal combustion engines and a turbine housing therefor wherein the housing is uniquely configured so as to be able to be mounted in the engine compartment in a variety of modes and wherein the turbocharger may or may not be used in conjunction with a wastegate control. The unique configuration of the turbine housing permits the passage of exhaust gas through the interior of the turbine housing and more specifically through the extent of the internal scroll thereof wherein the exhaust gas imparts to the turbine operation peak efficiency before the driving gas is vented through a wastegate passageway at the terminus of the turbine housing as opposed to the entry thereof. The exhaust gases may also be bypassed from a point between the entry and terminus of the internal scroll. The method of operation is such that the exhaust gas velocity within the turbine housing and more specifically the internal scroll thereof, is at high velocity in the peak efficiency range during turbine operation and during wastegating, thereby reducing turbine back pressure on the internal combustion engine as compared to that pressure that would be developed should the driving gas be wastegated or bypassed before it entered the turbine housing, and more specifically, the internal scroll thereof.